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Patrick O'Donnell told me about two songs that have followed him through life: Tom Petty’s Even the Losers and Foo Fighters’ Walk. From his college DJ days to moments of personal reflection and growth, Patrick shared how these tracks helped him process challenges—from heartbreak and identity to healing and new beginnings. Whether you're a longtime fan of Petty or the Foo Fighters, or someone who’s found meaning in music during your own messy chapters, you’ll find something to connect with in this conversation.

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Dan Shinder reflects on the complexity and brilliance of “Awaken” by Yes—a song that changed the way he listened to music. From hearing it at just 13 to eventually performing it himself, the track became a guidepost in his musical journey. He shares how this 15-minute epic shaped his relationship with rhythm, deepened his appreciation for storytelling in music, and reminded him that drumming is about more than keeping time—it's about feeling the spaces between.

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I sat down with country singer-songwriter Stephen Quinn to talk about the story behind his patriotic anthem Stand Up—a song born from personal values, national pride, and a desire to inspire unity and kindness. From his tight-knit family roots to performing on big stages like American Idol and the Little League World Series, Stephen opened up about music, faith, and finding purpose in the chaos. Whether you’re a country fan or just someone looking for a little inspiration, this one will hit home.

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James Campion, author of Revolution: Prince, the Band, the Era, remembers the first time he heard “When Doves Cry” and how it spread through his band like wildfire. He reflects on the song’s weirdness—no bassline, a haunting guitar, and Prince’s poetic metaphors—and why it still sparks something in him decades later. He also reads three vivid paragraphs from his book, capturing the intensity, emotion, and complexity of the track. From liner notes to Prince’s fusion of sexuality, spirituality, and social commentary, James unpacks what made the song—and the artist—utterly unforgettable.

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Reeya Paulose traces her love for The Beatles back to one of the earliest influences in her life—her mom. Before Reeya turned 12, her mom passed away, but not before passing down a deep appreciation for the band and their music. “Eight Days a Week” reminds Reeya of the way her mom talked about The Beatles—not just the songs, but who they were and why they mattered.

It wasn’t about one moment, but about many little ones. Reeya shares how her mom’s enthusiasm helped shape her understanding of music as something more than sound—something cultural, emotional, and lasting. Even now, hearing the song brings back that bond and reminds her of the woman who introduced her to one of the greatest bands of all time.

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Kevin Waugaman is the founder of Momentors, LLC—a business and life coaching firm that helps professionals unlock growth, navigate change, and elevate their impact, drawing on his experience rising from “busboy to CEO.” Despite loving everything from Wu-Tang Clan to Green Day, “Forgiveness” by Matthew West broke through during one of the most painful seasons of his life, helping him see that forgiveness isn’t approval—it’s release.

He opens up about the moments where the lyrics landed hardest—while preparing a eulogy, navigating sensitive conversations, and committed to becoming the kind of father and husband he wants to be. He’s also discovered that forgiveness is bad for mental clutter and good for reaching new professional heights—clarifying vision, building stronger relationships, and freeing up space for growth. This isn’t just about faith—it’s about freedom, and how one song helped shift his perspective when nothing else could.

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At 16, Miki Hellerbach got his first job bussing tables at Clementine, a cozy BYOB restaurant in Baltimore. He was the youngest on staff, but the older servers took him under their wing and made him feel like part of the crew.

One night, Auto Pilot by Queens of the Stone Age came on over the speakers—he hadn’t heard it before, but it stuck. That track became linked to the early days of figuring out who he was.

It was also where his love of food began. We talk about first jobs, mentorship, discovering new music by accident, and how that one restaurant helped shape his path—as a journalist, music writer, and host of Convo at the Spot.

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She left Disneyland with a one-way ticket and a gut feeling. A homeless man's subway advice sent Salisha to New York City, where a Broadway show, a backstage invite, and a soulful duet would change everything. The song You're All I Need to Get By became the thread that ran through her move, her first major tour, and even her walk down the aisle years later.

Find out how one Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell classic became the soundtrack to a life-altering leap—and how it continues to echo through the biggest moments of her life.

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When a dream of pro baseball fizzled, Darryl found himself staring at a blank wall in his college dorm—until Curtis Mayfield’s “Give Me Your Love” filled the silence. That one track set a new course, reshaping his identity and fueling a passion for music that’s taken him from Napster downloads to EA Sports and ultimately launching his own platform for creatives, Bass Parlour.

Hear how one song became a soundtrack to reinvention, love, and life’s unexpected second acts.

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In this episode of Memories with a Beat, Katrina Mendez reflects on how the hymn Amazing Grace became a meaningful part of her life—from learning it in Catholic school to performing it at family memorials and auditions. She talks about her musical upbringing, her connection to her grandmother, and how music has always been a natural part of her world. The conversation offers a warm, personal look at how one song can carry so many stories over the years. Tune in now to see why this timeless hymn still resonates so deeply.

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